SLEEPYHOLLOW

Eating in Britain is like everywhere else in the world. Sometimes great, oft times... dire!

What particularly singles England out though is the generally poor level of service. We would like to offer our recommendations of places where we have had good food, good service and (always important to us), value for money. Some places are very close to Sleepyhollow, others, not so close, but can be enjoyed on a day out. Some establishments are what you would call 'true restaurants' others are traditional English pubs serving a higher standard of food than generally expected.

Many establishments offer wide menus but let them selves down with the quality. The really good ones are those that offer smaller choice but serve it with a smile and and leave you with a desire to go back again and again! Often a good meal will be spoilt by abysmal coffee at the end; others will charge crazy prices for a bottle of less than good wine! We hope our experiences will make your stay all the more enjoyable and leave you with an impression of English food you might not otherwise have had.

Fish and Chips are traditional but not the epitome of English traditional food!

English food has grown up over the decades inspired by visitors from all over the European continent and beyond. We have always grown beef, sheep and pigs and served their meat as a 'Sunday Roast'. In the wider British Isles, wild boar, deer and a huge variety of game birds have been served since the middle ages; fish too has, until recently, been a major part of the English diet when it was always traditional to have fish on a Friday. Sadly, European fishing agreemnts has seen other nations fishing our traditional waters, leaving little for ourselves and forcing prices through the roof. Our seasonal vegatables are some of the best in the world and we produce an astonishing variety of potatos and serve them in multifarious ways.

English restaurants worth their salt will offer a selection that includes some or all of the above. Sunday is still a day for the 'traditional Sunday roast' and pubs and restaurants are often bursting at the seams serving them to families who find it easier and (sometimes) cheaper to eat out on their day of rest.

So what is 'Traditional English Food? Fish and Chips, certainly served with 'mushy peas' and plenty of salt and vinegar. A great well balanced meal (notwithstanding the cost of fish) and still loved by the English public. Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding; ideally, slices of slow roasted prime rib of  beef served with roast and mashed potatoes and a selection of fresh cooked (seasonal) vegetables that (ideally) does not include 'peas and carrots'! Lamb, Pork, Duck and various steaks, all feature on most menus and a favourite with many men is a good belly busting 'mixed grill'.

French quisine has made it's mark on the English menu too with many otherwise simple and plain dishes being teamed up with sauces to the point where it's almost taken for granted that one will accompany the other.

Traditional eating apart, England, a 'multi cultural' society can boast eateries in every quarter from every quarter with Italian, Chinease, Indian and eastern Mediterranean, high on the agenda. Within just a few minutes of Sleepyhollow you can enjoy fine dining at its best and great 'pub grub'. Further afield, a bountiful selection of delights  awaits you. Join Dave and Lynn on a gastronomic pleasure drive through some of Englands loveliest countryside.

This is a truly exceptional place to eat. For sheer value, service and quality it cannot be faulted. Set in a lovely part of Lancashire and only 20 minutes drive from Sleepyhollow. 10/10

THE COPPUL MOOR. Nr Standish, Lancashire.

This intimate restaurant offers great quisine cooked by Barry, a real chef's chef. A menu featuring local produce with a French connection. The sweets particularly are to die for. We have spent lots of time ( and money) eating and drinking him dry of his best Cognac. We love it here. 9/10

THE BLUE ELEPHANT. Croston, Lancashire.

Very good Indian food at affordable prices and only minutes away from Sleepyhollow. Good service from pleasant staff make it a place worth visiting. 8/10

THE GROUSE. Scar Top, Nr Haworth (Bronte Country). www.grouse-inn.co.uk

This is the 'piece de resitance' in Pub Grub! Lovely service and great food in a fabulous setting. An hour or so from Sleepyhollow but make a day of it visiting Haworth and the 'Bronte experience'. You will love it! 10/10

THE SMITHY. Great Eccleston, Nr Blackpool.

Traditional English food with that something extra makes the forty minute journey worthwhile. 8/10

THE PLOUGH. (JERRY'S) Nr Croston, Lancashire.

A local pub atmosphere with a very wide menu featuring some unusual meat choices. Only a few minutes from Sleepyhollow and ideal for an informal lunch / dinner. 6/10

THE PLOUGH. Nr Eccleston, Lancashire.

Similar to its namesake above and just 2 minutes further. Wide menu and specials board. 6/10